This Week in South Loop & Chinatown: A Free Museum Week

Your week-ahead guide to South Loop & Chinatown — 4 picks worth planning around

By Raj Singh · Published June 28, 2026.

Illinois-resident free days stack up on the Museum Campus this week, making the stormy mid-90s stretch a perfect excuse to head indoors with the kids. Bring your ID, book ahead where you can, and save Wednesday evening for jazz on the lake.

MONDAY 6/29

Craft: Chinatown Community Mural @ Chinatown Library

Over in Chinatown, the branch library hosts a drop-in community mural craft — a low-key, free way to start the week with the kids. Afterward, the soup dumplings at Qing Xiang Yuan a few doors down are non-negotiable.

TUESDAY 6/30

Illinois Resident Free Evening @ Shedd Aquarium

Free general admission for Illinois residents — advance reservations are strongly recommended, since these evenings sell out fast. It's the South Loop's best stormy-night plan. Cap it with a Chinatown run for the salt-and-pepper squid at Lao Sze Chuan.

WEDNESDAY 7/1

Illinois Resident Free Day @ Field Museum

Sue the T. rex headlines another free day for Illinois residents at the Field — get there at open to beat the holiday-week families. The special exhibitions still carry a ticket, so plan accordingly.

WEDNESDAY 7/1

Jazzin' at the Shedd @ Shedd Aquarium

The popular midweek series puts rotating jazz bands on the Shedd's lakeside terrace, with drinks, dancing, and a skyline view that catches the Navy Pier fireworks. A grown-up counterpoint to the daytime crowds — go for the cocktails and the sunset.

More on the South Side calendar — see more South Loop & Chinatown events.